Technology
AI wearable promises to help you remember everything
You know how sometimes you wish you had a photographic memory? Well, the Plaud NotePin memory capsule is kinda like that, but it hangs around your neck. This nifty little artificial intelligence-powered device is all about helping you remember stuff better. It’s like having a super-smart personal assistant that’s always ready to jot down your thoughts and conversations.
But here’s the thing: This gadget is pushing us to think about some big questions. Like, how comfortable are we with AI being our memory keeper? And what about privacy? I mean, it’s one thing to write stuff down in a diary, but having a device that’s always listening?
That’s a whole different ball game. It’s got me wondering: Are we ready to let AI be our second brain? Let’s take a closer look at this little gadget that’s stirring up such big questions — who knows, it might just change the way we think about memory and technology in the future.
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The Plaud NotePin. (Plaud.AI)
What is the Plaud NotePin?
The Plaud NotePin is a small, pill-shaped device that can be worn as a pendant, pinned to clothing or attached as a wristband. Its primary function is to record meetings, conversations and personal notes, which are then transcribed and summarized using advanced AI technology.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
This innovative device offers versatile wearability, allowing you to choose how you want to use it in various situations. With an impressive battery life, the NotePin can record continuously for up to 20 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for even the longest workdays.
Not only does the device record audio, but it also generates summaries, mind maps and actionable items from your conversations. You can select from multiple AI models, including OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, to enhance your experience. Additionally, the NotePin comes with 64 GB of storage, ensuring that you never run out of space for your recordings.
The Plaud NotePin. (Plaud.AI)
MY #$%^ ACHING [INSERT AILMENT]
Potential use cases
The NotePin’s versatility makes it suitable for various professionals. Business professionals can capture client meetings and generate actionable summaries. Educators can record lectures and provide post-session transcripts. Health care providers can ensure that accurate patient information is captured during consultations. Creative workers can rely on the NotePin to never miss a moment of inspiration, no matter where it strikes.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
The Plaud NotePin. (Plaud.AI)
A HELMET USING A CURTAIN OF AIR COULD MAKE FACE MASKS OBSOLETE
Privacy concerns
While the NotePin offers impressive functionality, it also raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. Although users must manually activate recording, there’s a risk of capturing conversations without the knowledge or consent of all parties involved, which could potentially violate privacy laws in some jurisdictions. With sensitive conversations being recorded and stored, the security of this data becomes paramount. Plaud claims to use end-to-end encryption and reputable cloud service providers, but users should be aware of the potential risks associated with storing personal information in the cloud.
The AI-powered analysis of conversations raises questions about data mining and the potential for misuse of personal information. Users should carefully review the company’s privacy policy and understand how their data is being used and analyzed. As we increasingly rely on AI to remember and summarize information for us, there’s a concern about the potential atrophy of our natural memory skills. This dependence could have long-term implications for cognitive function.
In professional settings, the use of such devices could create tension if employees feel they’re being constantly monitored or if confidential information is at risk of being recorded without proper safeguards. Users should also consider what happens to their recorded data in the long term. How long is it stored? Can it be completely deleted if desired? These are important questions to ask before fully embracing such technology.
While Plaud emphasizes user control over data and robust security measures, potential users should carefully weigh these privacy considerations against the device’s benefits. As with any technology that intersects with personal privacy, it’s crucial to be fully informed and mindful of how and when you use the NotePin.
Plaud NotePin. (Plaud.AI)
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Pricing and availability
The Plaud NotePin is priced at $169 and is available for preorder. While basic AI features are free, a yearly subscription of $79 is required for premium features like summary templates and speaker labeling.
Plaud NotePin. (Plaud.AI)
Kurt’s key takeaways
So, what do we think about the Plaud NotePin? It offers an exciting look at a future where AI could help us capture and organize our thoughts. But will it become an essential part of our lives or just another gadget we forget about? As we embrace more technology like this, we need to consider how comfortable we are with AI in our daily routines and where we draw the line on privacy. Ultimately, the NotePin sparks an important conversation about our evolving relationship with AI.
Are you ready to let Plaud NotePin be your memory keeper, or does that idea make you a bit uneasy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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